BETHLEHEM FOOD CO-OP TO HOST ANNUAL PICNIC SUNDAY, JULY 26 AT MONOCACY PARK

The Bethlehem Food Co-op will hold its annual summer picnic on Sunday, July 26 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Monocacy Park on Illicks Mill Road in Bethlehem. The event is free and open to the general public.

Hamburgers and veggie burgers will be provided by the Co-Op, and local café Jumbars (http://jumbars.com/) will be donating some sweet treats. Guests are asked to bring along a side dish, beverage, or dessert to share. Beer or wine is permitted in single-serving, non-breakable containers.

The picnic will feature several fun, interactive stations that promote the Co-Op’s education mission:

· Pollinator Station: In support of the group’s upcoming film screening of “Queen of the Sun,” guests can make a bee home to either take home or donate to the Co-Op to sell or raffle at the movie screening. Tickets for the film screening on August 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ice House on Sand Island will be available at the event. https://www.facebook.com/events/278806442289892/

· Local Coffee: Monocacy Coffee Company, a new local roaster, will provide samples and brewing demonstrations. https://www.monocacycoffee.com/

· Dilly Beans: Joe Klinkhoff will demonstrate how to use lacto-fermentation to make dilly beans (pickled green beans that are commonly used in Bloody Mary drinks) http://kitchen-fu.blogspot.com/

· Co-Op Info: Guests will be able to learn about cooperative enterprise, Bethlehem Food Co-Op Development, purchase limited edition colors of the Co-Op t-shirt, and become a member-owner.

More information about the picnic can be found on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/events/1599930533613706/

The Bethlehem Food Co-Op is owned by the community members it serves, and will support local producers and sustainable, humane, and natural food systems. Member-owners make a one-time $300 equity payment and will receive many perks, such as an equal voice in Co-op operations, opportunities for hands-on involvement, discount days, and access to unique educational opportunities. Monthly payment plans are available to accommodate those who need to divide up the equity payment. The Co-op currently has more than 215 member-owners. The faster the Co-op gains member-owners, the sooner the store can open to serve the community.

The Bethlehem Food Co-Op is a diverse community encouraging physical, social, and economic health by providing healthful, affordable food; emphasizing local, sustainable, humane, and natural food systems; and offering unique educational opportunities to the entire community. More information can be found at http://www.bethlehemfood.coop.